How to think yourself slim

Dieting, new fitness class, the gym. New diet, different fitness class, the gym. It’s easy to feel like you’re heading nowhere fast when trying to improve health and fitness levels. But don’t give up… we have a solution. Our experts tell us that getting the right attitude towards fitness and working out can really help boost your motivation, and your results!

Dr Sally Norton, NHS weight loss consultant, surgeon and founder of vavista.com reveals her top tips for thinking yourself slim. Try the ‘four Ws’; four simple ways of revolutionising the way you think about your eating habits.

Whodunit?

Are your friends foodies? Do you have a biscuit-offering-bezzie who you just can’t say no to? Dr Sally’s first W is for Who. Usually, we’re less likely to indulge in sweet treats if we’re by ourselves. However, once you’re with friends who are all enjoying a cheeky snack, it becomes a lot harder to say no. Sally tells us how to deal with these pudding-pusher pals: ‘There is often a certain person around whom you eat much less healthily. It could be that they have a habit of suggesting you get another bottle of wine, or order a dessert. Or perhaps they’re the person in the office who always brings in irresistible cakes and biscuits that you struggle to say no to. Try to get them on board with your healthier eating too – otherwise, be forewarned and avoid!’

(Be-)Where of delicious cake shops

Sally’s second W, Where, is all about considering where it is that you feel the most tempted to stray from your healthy eating habits. Sally tells us more, saying: ‘A coffee shop on the way to work? Re-route. Going out to restaurants? Check the menu online in advance and plan your choices so you are less swayed by temptation when you’re there. The staff canteen, where the stodgy option is the cheapest? Take a healthy but delicious lunch to work with you.’ By planning ahead with your meals and trying to maintain a positive attitude towards your healthy eating, it’ll be much easier to stick to. Avoiding temptation is the best way to go if your willpower isn’t the best.

Why oh why oh why?

Sally’s third W, Why, is definitely one we can relate to. Sally explains why we should think about our snacking before we go ahead and chow down. ‘Far too many of us simply don’t pay any attention to the reasons why we eat. Are we actually hungry? Or is it that we’re stressed, bored or angry? Taking a moment to stop and ask yourself that question before you tuck in may help you understand your eating patterns a bit more – and perhaps you can find a different way to deal with the emotion.’ Stress eating is something that loads of people struggle with. Next time you’re craving some cake or chocolate, take a minute to think about why you want it, and if you really need it.

When will this all pay off?

And last but not least, the final W is When. By looking at what sort of time you get cravings for sugary, fast-release energy goods, it’s easy to see where you’re going wrong with your eating habits. Sally explains this in more detail, saying: ‘Do you find yourself reaching for a sugary treat at work at around 2/3pm – A.K.A the mid-afternoon slump? More than likely you’ve had a sugary or processed lunch and sent your sugar levels into overdrive. Opt for slow-release energy from protein, wholegrains, healthy fats and veg instead. Have you eaten enough during the day or do you come home ravenous? Have a snack mid-afternoon to avoid those fridge raids as you walk in the door. Do you tend to pick in the evenings after your meal? Find a means of distraction – or start getting to bed earlier and get a really good night’s sleep, which will help you make healthier choices the next day too.’

Sally summarises her four Ws, saying: ‘It’s all pretty obvious when you think about – but so many people think they can just cut back on food and rely on willpower to lose weight. Unless you understand your ‘who, where, why and when’ weak spots, your willpower will fail you – guaranteed.’ It’s time to get fully on board and get your attitude towards healthy eating right. You can do it!